Kirkland & Ellis LLP is seeking a full-time New York Diversity & Inclusion Associate Director to advance Kirkland’s local diversity and inclusion initiatives while collaborating with various attorneys and functional teams at the Firm.

The New York Diversity & Inclusion Associate Director will be an integral member of the New York and Firmwide Diversity and Inclusion teams. In partnership with key stakeholders, the Associate Director will provide leadership in the diversity and inclusion arena and facilitate local diversity and inclusion initiatives. This includes working with local committees and staff to foster a collegial culture that embraces diversity and inclusion and driving community-building initiatives, affinity group programming, Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) activities, law school relationships and other external partnerships and sponsorships.

Diversity Recruiting and Pipeline Initiatives: In partnership with our New York hiring partners and the Legal Recruiting & Development team, advance recruiting initiatives such as Kirkland’s Diversity Scholars, ALLSA and Diversity Fellowship programs alongside various pipeline programs; develop new ideas to enhance long-term relationships with various law schools and students

Diversity Programming: Advance local diversity programming and networking events in collaboration with attorneys and staff; share resources and ideas

Budget: Establish and monitor various diversity budgets

Reporting and Data Gathering: Collect, analyze and report local diversity data, metrics and results and make appropriate recommendations for action

Research and Benchmarking: Stay current on industry best practices and synthesize areas of opportunity; represent Kirkland at key regional conferences; distribute relevant information

Communications: Collaborate with various teams to market and promote initiatives, awards and achievements

Mentoring: Champion, develop and advocate for diverse attorneys and recruits

Networking: Build positive external relationships with clients, alumni and law schools in support of our diversity and inclusion strategy. Develop partnerships with clients who share the Firm’s commitment to D&I and develop programming/materials accordingly.

Collaboration: Work seamlessly with the Firmwide D&I team to report on New York progress, share best practices and resources, identify new areas of opportunity, and contribute to key Firmwide initiatives. Work hand in hand to support the NY LRD team who drive attorney recruiting, integration, and engagement.

Other: Facilitate special projects and other duties as assigned

The position requires at least five years of related business experience, preferably in a law school, law firm, corporation or other professional services firm. We seek a driven, hands-on leader who has the ability to influence and collaborate across functional areas, levels of seniority, and offices. The ideal candidate must have strong leadership and management skills and excellent judgment, problem-solving, oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. The individual must have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while building positive working relationships. In addition, candidates must be self-motivated, organized, and able to multitask and prioritize competing demands. A Master’s degree or JD is preferred.

Education, Work Experience, Skills

Bachelor’s degree is required, Master’s degree or JD is preferred

Seeking candidates with ten years of experience, including five years of related experience in a law firm, corporation, professional services or law school environment.

Ability to motivate and reinvigorate committees and individuals and achieve consensus.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, driven and organized project manager with excellent oral and written communication skills, have the ability to multitask and meet concrete deadlines in a fast-paced environment, have a positive/can-do attitude, and be an excellent team player.

Ability to problem solve, develop creative solutions and make decisions with a high standard for accuracy and attention to detail are required.

Maintaining positive relationships, both internally and externally, while maintaining a client service orientation and using sound independent judgment and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information are also required.

Internal Number: 4965

About Kirkland & Ellis

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a preeminent, full-service law firm with offices around the world and a staff as diverse as the practice areas we support. Our clients range from Fortune 100 companies to medium and small corporations, financial institutions, and private equity firms. Known for our commitment to excellence, Kirkland strives to provide superior service to our clients as well as our fellow employees. From Information Technology to Human Resources, Paralegal Services to Business Development, Kirkland offers non-attorney professionals challenging careers in a variety of functional areas. Whether starting or growing your career, Kirkland can offer a performance-driven culture filled with bright and innovative teams of co-workers.